TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS

Column: 2941

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TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS

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(Complaints of professional misconduct or negligence): **

6.

Dr Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Health since the establishment of the TCM Practitioners Board in 2001, (a) whether there have been more complaints pertaining to professional misconduct or negligence; and (b) whether the current number of registered practitioners is as expected or does it fall short of expectations.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The TCM Practitioners Board was established in 2001 to regulate and register TCM practitioners. The transitional period for the registration of TCM practitioners ended on 31st December 2003. From 1st January 2004, only those who are registered with the Board can practise TCM.

From 2004 to 2007, the Board received a total of 55 complaints: 19 (2004), 9 (2005), 17 (2006) and 10 (2007).

There were currently 2,232 TCM practitioners registered with the Board, a significant increase from 1,910 in 2004. The increase matched closely the number of graduates from the two local TCM schools approved by the Board.

TCM is a complementary form of healthcare and the market determines its supply and demand. MOH and the TCM Practitioners Board monitor the standard and quality of TCM training to ensure public safety.